ALMOST 15,000 households in the Braintree district are due to receive the first cost of living payment from the Government, new figures show.

But the Resolution Foundation warned the Government some people will slip through the cracks as they deal with spiralling energy prices and soaring inflation.

Department for Work and Pensions figures show around 14,400 households in Braintree are eligible to receive up to £900 in cost-of-living payments.

They are among more than eight million households across the UK who will receive the support.

The first of three instalments – worth £301 – is due to be made between April 25 and May 17 and should appear directly in people's bank accounts.

Those eligible include anyone who received Universal Credit, income-based jobseekers allowance, employment and support allowance, income support, working tax credit, child tax credit and pension credit between January 26 and February 25.

Lalitha Try, economist at the Resolution Foundation, said: "Many families who are urgently in need of help will still fall through the cracks – such as those who are on a low income, but not receiving benefits."

Alongside the support payments is a £150 disability payment, which will be paid out to 6.7 million individuals across the UK this summer – approximately 13,100 of these are based in Braintree.

Mel Stride, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said the Government continues "to wrap our arms around the most vulnerable".

She added work is "the best route out of poverty", highlighting the work coach support scheme to help people boost their skills and progress in their careers.